Around the World in a Dugout Canoe

The Untold Story of Captain John Voss and the Tilikum

Description

In 1901, Captain Voss set out seeking to claim the world record for the smallest vessel to circumnavigate the globe. In this groundbreaking work the authors sift fact from fiction, critically examining previously published accounts of the journey against research from libraries, archives, and museums around the world to reveal the real story of a little-understood character and his cedar canoe. It is an enduring story of courage, adventure, tragedy, and, at times, sheer luck.

Reviews

“The story [MacFarlane and Salmon] tell is both remarkable and inspiring. It is a testament to human determination and perseverance—and to the commitment to reach a goal that would seem unattainable to most. This is a key part of Victoria history, but also international maritime history. This book matters.”

- Dave Obee, <i>The Times Colonist</i>

“This engrossing tale of the Tilikum and her circumnavigation of the globe is a fascinating story put together by two of Western Canada’s most accomplished maritime history writers, John M. MacFarlane and Lynn J. Salmon. Solidly anchored research backed by primary source material from around the globe makes this story of Captain John Voss and his adventures and trials at sea in a small dugout canoe a thoroughly engaging read.”

- Rick James, maritime historian and author of <i>Don't Never Tell Nobody Nothin' No How</i>

“MacFarlane and Salmon have done an excellent job…anyone interested in learning more about the Tilikum and Captain Voss will certainly enjoy reading this book.”

- Dalys Barney, <i>BC History Magazine</i>

“The authors have illuminated a remarkable and little-known piece of Canadian history with this intriguing book. It will appeal to maritime history buffs and to general readers. With its storms at sea, its adventures and fierce interpersonal conflicts, it would make a compelling movie.”

- Tom Sandborn, <i>Vancouver Sun</i>

“This is a tale, a true tale, I can get behind. For the inner-child-adventurer in each of us, it has it all: a search for buried treasure, stormy seas, exotic locales, and deliciously sketchy accounts pieced together from personal journals, logbooks, letters, and wildly differing accounts. But whatever information was recorded, authors John MacFarlane and Lynn Salmon have unearthed it, pieced it together like a once scattered jigsaw and meticulously reassembled an engaging, informative page-turner. This is rock-solid historical writing, composed by acutely knowledgeable and passionate researchers. Researchers who know how to share a great story.”

- Bill Arnott, <i>The Miramichi Reader</i>

“Supplemented with archival photographs, letters, and newspaper articles, Around the World in a Dugout Canoe is a lively read that provides an up-close portrait of Voss, whom the authors call ‘one of the greatest small-craft sailors of all time.’”

- Brooke Campbell, <i>Canada’s History Magazine</i>